My respect for our nation’s military runs deep in my soul. My son is a part of something greater than I will ever experience in my lifetime. He has strength of body and character. He carries out orders with pride and is equipped to lead in any situation that requires a firm hand and a strong voice.
Several years ago, I had the distinct honor to work for a nonprofit agency that assists military Veterans in the transition from their military career into the civilian workforce. I met and assisted men and women who had served a few years, to those who committed their entire adult lives to protect our freedoms.
The leadership team was mixed with military Veterans and civilian business people. I will never forget Patrick. He is a 21-year Navy Veteran. He is well-spoken, strong in stature and mind and commanded respect as soon as he walked to the front of the room to guide each new class into their first day of a week-long training session.
At the front of the room where he led the training class, Patrick had a small round table with an empty chair, a white tablecloth and several special symbols. This display is called the POW/MIA Table: A place setting for one, a table for all. The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War.
Patrick dedicated this weekly opportunity to his best friend, whom he served with in the Navy and who went missing during combat. This strong military Veteran who dedicated his life to our freedom would subtly drop a tear or two every time he relived the experience of losing his buddy. Patrick made a vow that his friend would never be forgotten.
Ed is a 25-year Air Force Veteran. He is the most dynamic lover of life that I have ever met. When Ed is around, the room has energy to it. Ed had seen a lot of military action in his career. And, even with the vibrancy for life he shares wherever he goes, there would be several days every few months when the memories would haunt him and take over. Ed’s wife would call the office and let us know that he wouldn’t be in for a few days. We would gather in a circle and pray for strength for Ed.
Tom is a 32-year Army Veteran who specializes in internet technology. Tom is a towering 6-foot-4 mountain of a man who never sat comfortably around a boardroom table due to his physical size and his challenge of open discussion. He would get visually upset when we would sit around the table and discuss a new project. Why? He was only comfortable receiving or handing out orders. I will never forget the way he looked at me when I agreed with him on a topic and I said, “OK, sounds great, Tom.” The room fell silent because of the way he was glaring at me. It was our CEO, Tony, a career Army drill sergeant, who instantly knew what was happening. Tom was angry because I did not call him “sir” in my reply.
Behind each strong and successful set of eyes that I had the honor to work beside was a look that I will never be talented enough to describe. It is soulful. It is knowledge that I will never be privy to. It is a remembrance of situations that cannot be forgotten.
As we celebrate our military Veterans this week, you will experience a humble downward gaze when you thank a Veteran for their service. They don’t think of themselves as the hero we know they are. Take a few more minutes and ask to hear a story from their time in the service. Veterans Day will have a new and powerful meaning to both you and the Veteran you just gave honor to.
It would be an honor and a privilege to read your story about your military career or that of a friend or loved one. Send it in an email to tdishman@fbnewsleader.com. Thank you for your service.
